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Things to Do at Balboa Park

Balboa Park is one of San Diego’s best-known landmarks. If you’re planning a visit, here’s a look at five must-see and must-do things at Balboa Park. (Published Thursday, April 20, 2017)

Balboa Park will once again "come alive after five" this summer when the San Diego landmark brings back a popular program offering special nighttime attractions and deals.

"Balboa Park After Dark" starts this Friday and runs each Friday through Sept. 1. The late-night program, which aims to attract visitors to Balboa Park during a time outside of normal peak hours, includes extended evening hours at eight museums, plus food trucks and entertainment throughout park.

Additionally, Balboa Park said the Museum of Photographic Arts (MOPA) will be open until 8 p.m. on Thursdays this summer (rather than Fridays), and the San Diego Museum of Man will be open until 8:30 p.m. Friday through Sunday.

Extended museum hours are subject to change, so it’s best to visit the specific museum’s website before heading out for the night.

As Balboa Park After Park returns for the summer, it will be joined by another cool Friday night event known as "Food Truck Fridays."

Food Truck Fridays, organized by the Balboa Park Conservancy and the City of San Diego Park and Recreation Department, kicks off on June 2 and will feature a rotating selection of more than a dozen food trucks parked along the Plaza de Panama and El Prado from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

This weekly event, which runs every Friday through Sept. 29, will also feature live, family-friendly music and entertainment.

Since seating at the Plaza de Panama is limited, Balboa Park says visitors can bring lawn chairs or blankets to sit in the lawn area in front of the Botanical Building while they eat and enjoy the park.

Both of the summertime series are open to visitors of all ages. Grab the family and make the most of that Friday night.